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Ken Dodd: The Biography by Stephen Griffin - A Tickling Tale of a Tickling Stick Legend

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Ken Dodd was a British institution, a comedic genius who brought laughter to millions over his seven-decade career. His trademark tickling stick, his infectious cackle, and his endless stream of jokes and puns made him one of the most beloved entertainers of all time.

Ken Dodd: The Biography

by Stephen Griffin

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	483 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages

In this captivating biography, Stephen Griffin delves into the life and career of this iconic comedian, revealing the man behind the stage persona. From his humble beginnings in Liverpool to his rise to stardom and his enduring legacy, Griffin paints a vivid portrait of one of the greatest comedians of the 20th century.

The Early Years

Ken Dodd was born Kenneth Arthur Dodd in Liverpool, England, on November 8, 1927. His father was a ship's steward and his mother was a housewife. Dodd's childhood was marked by poverty and hardship, but he found solace in laughter, often entertaining his family and friends with his quick wit and silly jokes.

At the age of 14, Dodd left school and began working as an apprentice joiner. However, his passion for comedy soon took over, and he began performing at local clubs and variety shows. In 1954, he won a talent contest that launched his professional career.

The Rise to Stardom

Dodd's career took off in the 1960s, as he became a regular on British television and radio. His unique brand of comedy, which combined slapstick, puns, and observational humor, resonated with audiences of all ages. Dodd's popularity reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, when he headlined his own variety show, "The Ken Dodd Show," which ran for over 20 years.

Dodd's fame extended beyond the UK. He toured extensively throughout the world, performing to sold-out crowds in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. He also made several appearances on American television, including on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and "Saturday Night Live."

The Tickling Stick and Other Trademarks

One of the most iconic aspects of Ken Dodd's comedy was his trusty tickling stick. The stick, which was made from a piece of bamboo, became Dodd's signature prop, and he would often use it to poke fun at his audience and deliver his trademark jokes.

In addition to the tickling stick, Dodd was also known for his infectious cackle, his colorful suits, and his endless stream of puns. His jokes were often silly and nonsensical, but they always managed to get a laugh from his audience.

The Later Years

Dodd continued to perform well into his later years, touring the UK and appearing on television and radio. He was awarded an OBE in 1982 and a knighthood in 2017 for his services to entertainment.

Dodd passed away on March 11, 2018, at the age of 90. He left behind a legacy of laughter and joy that continues to bring smiles to faces around the world.

Ken Dodd was a true comedy legend, a master of his craft who brought laughter to millions over his seven-decade career. Stephen Griffin's biography is a fitting tribute to this iconic entertainer, providing a fascinating and revealing look at the man behind the tickling stick.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of Ken Dodd or simply curious about one of the greatest comedians of all time, this book is a must-read. It's a celebration of laughter, a tribute to a comedy genius, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, laughter can always find a way.